Young women in the Netherlands are far more likely to work part-time than their male peers, a gap that emerges early in their careers—often before children enter the picture. Among 18- to 25-year-olds, 63% of women hold part-time jobs (under 35 hours weekly) compared to just 30% of men. This disparity widens with age: in the 31- to 35-year-old group, 68% of women work part-time versus 13% of men, where childcare responsibilities play a larger role. The Netherlands stands out in Europe, with young women averaging just 29 hours weekly against men's 37—the largest gender gap anywhere. These findings come from a comprehensive study by the Social and Cultural Planning Office (SCP).
This part-time prevalence translates to lower annual incomes for young women, making them less economically independent than men. The divide peaks among 30- to 35-year-olds, with 67% of women financially self-sufficient (earning at least €920 monthly from work) compared to 82% of men.
Post-education job access is similar for both genders up to age 25, and young women often secure higher-level roles thanks to their superior education levels. Government-employed women under 30 even earn higher hourly wages than men, with parity holding through age 30-35. In the private sector, women under 25 out-earn men hourly, match them at 25-30, but fall behind at 30-35.
Several factors explain these working-hour differences. Women disproportionately pursue fields like healthcare, which favor part-time roles. Preferences also differ: men prioritize income and career advancement, while women value flexibility for care duties or hobbies. Interviews with young starters reveal limited negotiation power on hours or pay at entry level—many jobs are posted as part-time. Only with experience do they push for more hours, and women appear less likely to do so than men.
Young women express more pessimism about career trajectories, partly due to part-time work hindering promotions. Employers note male dominance in senior roles, which may dampen women's optimism about advancement.
